“American Dreamer” presents a unique premise with an intriguing cast, including Peter Dinklage and Shirley MacLaine, but it ultimately fails to capitalize on its potential for both comedy and drama. Much like Dinklage’s character Phil, who relies on an electric scooter for transportation, the film lacks momentum, unable to generate the needed emotional or comedic impact.
At its core, the film follows Phil, a university lecturer teaching cultural economics at a small Massachusetts college. His life revolves around dreams of better living conditions—namely, owning a home rather than renting a dilapidated condo. Phil’s wish seems within reach when he discovers an offer that appears too good to be true: if he purchases a granny flat within the mansion of the eccentric widow Astrid (MacLaine), he will inherit the mansion’s $5 million value upon her death. Encouraged by his less-than-reliable friend Dell (Matt Dillon), a realtor, Phil secures the deal and moves in, hoping for a better future.
However, the mansion comes with its own set of confusing complications. Among them are characters who may or may not be Astrid’s children, with one, Maggie (Kimberly Quinn), a probate lawyer who’s particularly concerned with the inheritance. Despite these hurdles, Phil’s charisma—marked by a deep, rumbling voice and laid-back charm—seems to have an irresistible effect on nearly every woman he encounters, including Maggie, who eventually becomes involved with him.
Written by Theodore Melfi, who also penned and directed St. Vincent, “American Dreamer” shares a similar undercurrent of disappointed masculinity. While both films are easy to watch, they ultimately fail to offer much substance, leaving audiences with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
American Dreamer will be available on digital platforms starting March 17.
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